JOHN DUERKSEN

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JOHN DUERKSEN Peacefully on December 9, 2011 at Deer Lodge Centre, after a long struggle with dementia, John passed into the Lord's care. Born February 5, 1925 near the Black Sea in Russia he came to Canada as an infant, settling with his family in Morden, Manitoba. Always inquisitive, industrious and hardworking, he carved out a colourful childhood. He left Morden at age 17 to join the R.C.A.F. After his 18 months of training in Canada, the war came to a victorious end. Consequently, he did not see active service. Upon discharge, he enrolled at the University of Manitoba to complete his high school education, going on to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering in 1949. He enjoyed a full 38 year career with the Manitoba Highways Department retiring from the position of Director of Maintenance. John had a loving 45 year marriage with Gwen. Many happy years include family fun with Donna and Deborah, hobby farming, raising horses, making sawdust in his workshop, extensive travel and developing a beautiful home and property in Charleswood. He always looked for opportunities to feed the wildlife. A thrilling chapter of John and Gwen's life was the arrival of their grandchildren Stephen, Laura and Jennifer. Many happy hours were spent playing with Grandpa in his workshop, boating on Lake of Woods and enjoying the playhouse and tire swing. His engineer personality was a great influence in the lives of his children and grandchildren, always the teacher. After the sad loss of Gwen, he started a new chapter with Betty, his wife of 16 years. As a couple, they enjoyed building model airplanes, which he flew until he was 80 years of age. They often traveled to British Columbia and enjoyed hobbies together. He is survived by Betty (Bob Flegg), stepson Donald Sally, daughters Deborah (William Campbell), Donna (Dr. Russ Albak), grandchildren Stephen (Kendra Schultz), Laura and Jennifer. John, the master of inventing gizmos , was always joking about how to build a bigger and better mouse trap. We wish to thank Dr. Colin Fletcher, the kind staff at Rosewood and the exemplary nursing care of T3 at Deer Lodge Centre. Funeral service will be held on December 16 at 12:30 p.m., at St. James Lutheran Church, 871 Cavalier Drive. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Fort Whyte Centre. Thanks to a loving father and husband for enriching our lives, we've been richly blessed. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 10, 2011